Adjustable shunting systems with plate assemblies, and associated systems and methods

Abstract

The present technology is generally directed to adjustable shunting systems for draining fluid from a first body region to a second body region. The adjustable shunting systems include a flow control plate or cartridge for controlling the flow of fluid through the system. For example, the flow control plate can include a shape memory actuation assembly having one or more nitinol actuators for controlling the flow of fluid through the system. The flow control plate can further include a plurality of discrete sheets or layers adhered together to encase the shape memory actuation assembly. The discrete sheets or layers can form flow channels for directing fluid through the flow control plate.

We claim: 
     
       1. A layered flow control plate for use with an implantable shunting system configured for treating a patient, the layered flow control plate including:
 a plurality of layers defining a fluid flow path including (a) one or more apertures, and (b) one or more channels configured for fluid communication with the one or more apertures; and 
 a shape memory actuation assembly having one or more actuators configured to control the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path, wherein the shape memory actuation assembly is encased within the plurality of layers, 
 wherein a first layer of the plurality of layers forms a lateral boundary around the shape memory actuation assembly, and wherein a second layer of the plurality of layers defines the one or more channels, the first layer being different than the second layer. 
 
     
     
       2. The layered flow control plate of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a third layer forming a first outer surface of the flow control plate; and 
 a fourth layer forming a second outer surface of the flow control plate. 
 
     
     
       3. The layered flow control plate of  claim 2  wherein the first layer and the second layer are positioned between the third layer and the fourth layer. 
     
     
       4. The layered flow control plate of  claim 1  wherein the second layer includes one or more cavities aligned with the actuation assembly such that a void exists under a portion of the actuation assembly. 
     
     
       5. The layered flow control plate of  claim 1  wherein one or more of the plurality of layers are composed of quartz and/or glass. 
     
     
       6. The layered flow control plate of  claim 1  wherein one or more of the plurality of layers are composed of a transparent material. 
     
     
       7. The layered flow control plate of  claim 1  wherein at least the first layer is composed of a more rigid material than the shape memory actuation assembly. 
     
     
       8. The layered flow control plate of  claim 1  wherein the shape memory actuation assembly is composed of nitinol. 
     
     
       9. The layered flow control plate of  claim 1  wherein the shape memory actuation assembly is a first shape memory actuation assembly, and wherein the layered flow control plate further comprises a second shape memory actuation assembly distinct from the first shape memory actuation assembly. 
     
     
       10. The layered flow control plate of  claim 9  wherein the first layer includes a first chamber configured to house the first actuation assembly and a second chamber configured to house the second actuation assembly. 
     
     
       11. The layered flow control plate of  claim 10  wherein the first chamber is fluidly isolated from the second chamber.